Thursday 8th January
Read Matthew 3:13-17
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’
15 Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (NIVUK)
How many of the biblical allusions Matthew has inserted into this passage can you recall? We will spend the last three days considering the voice from heaven, but what parallels can you see in what was seen?
There are allusions to creation, with the waters covering the earth and the heavens open above. There are allusions to the flood, where the earth was cleansed and the dove returned to the ark with new life. The exodus appears with the exit from the waters before the pillar of fire and smoke. There are allusions to the promised land, with the Jordan parting and the people following their new leader.
All of this is to remind us that what occurred with the arrival of Jesus was long promised. Creation restored and renewed, hope of God’s presence with His people – and a way through to the promised kingdom life. The ‘why’ of Jesus’ coming answered in the most awesome possible way…
